Cherry Bars – Easier Than Pie, Just as Delicious!

 


Step-by-Step Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 350°F. Line a jelly roll pan with foil or parchment, then spray with nonstick spray.

  2. Cream butter & sugar in a stand mixer until light and fluffy (1–2 minutes).

  3. Mix in eggs & extracts, blending well.

  4. Add flour, salt & baking powder just until combined.

  5. Reserve 1 ¾ cups of dough for topping.

  6. Press remaining dough evenly into prepared pan.

  7. Spread cherry filling over the dough.

  8. Drop reserved dough in small clumps over the filling.

  9. Bake 50–60 minutes, until golden brown.

  10. Cool completely on a wire rack.

  11. Make glaze by whisking confectioner’s sugar with milk until smooth. Drizzle over cooled bars.

  12. Cut into 35 squares and serve.

What to Serve With Cherry Bars

  • A scoop of vanilla ice cream for extra indulgence.

  • A dollop of whipped cream on the side.

  • A hot cup of coffee or tea for balance.

  • Serve alongside a dessert platter with brownies, cookies, and lemon bars.

Tips for Success

  • Don’t overmix the dough—keep it tender.

  • For neat slices, wait until bars are completely cooled before cutting.

  • Double the glaze if you love extra sweetness.

  • Store leftovers covered, so they don’t dry out.

Storage & Make-Ahead

  • Room Temperature: Keep covered up to 2 days.

  • Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container up to 5 days.

  • Freezer: Wrap tightly and freeze up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before serving.

FAQs About Cherry Bars

Can I make these ahead of time?
Yes! Bake, cool, and glaze the bars a day ahead—they taste even better after resting.

Can I use homemade cherry pie filling?
Absolutely, homemade will take these to the next level.

Can I halve the recipe?
Yes—just use a 9×13 baking pan and cut the recipe in half.

Nutritional Information (per bar, approx.)

  • Calories: 210

  • Carbohydrates: 30g

  • Protein: 3g

  • Fat: 9g

  • Sugar: 19g

Final Thoughts

These Cherry Bars are everything you love about cherry pie in a simpler, shareable form. They’re festive, flavorful, and perfect for everything from summer gatherings to holiday dessert trays. One bite, and you’ll see why these bars disappear so quickly from the plate!